Big changes are coming to Malawian football—and The People’s Team will be right at the heart of it.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has introduced fresh updates to the Laws of the Game that will take effect immediately and apply across all competitions, ensuring every match is aligned with FIFA’s global standards.
The amendments are designed to improve fairness, enhance the flow of play, and bring local competitions in line with global football regulations.
Key Updates
Among the major changes is the new Goalkeeper Eight-Second Rule, which requires keepers to release the ball within eight seconds of gaining possession. Failure to do so will now result in a corner kick for the opposing team.
In addition, only team captains will be allowed to approach referees regarding decisions during matches. Any non-captains who attempt to do so risk receiving a yellow card.
Another adjustment comes with the penalty kick double-touch rule. Accidental double-touches will now result in a retake, while deliberate infringements will hand the defending team an indirect free kick.
Meanwhile, incidents involving substitutes, team officials, or sent-off players making contact with the ball as it leaves the field of play will now be treated as an indirect free kick, provided there is no intent to interfere unfairly.
The People’s Team in Action
For FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, these changes will first come into play this Saturday when The People’s Team take on Chitipa United at Chitipa Stadium in the TNM Super League.
Peter Mponda’s side head into the tie sitting second on the table. They arrive fresh from a commanding 5-0 victory over second-tier side Chilumba Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup Round of 32, but will be eager to bounce back in the league after being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Blue Eagles at Kamuzu Stadium a week ago.
Looking Ahead
The amendments will now apply to all domestic competitions, and FAM has called on clubs, officials, and players to familiarize themselves with the changes as enforcement begins immediately.
With the second round of the season about to kick off, fans should expect to see these new rules in action right away—and The People’s Team will be one of the first to adapt as the journey continues.
